I hope you enjoy this random photo dump representing a little slice of 2025 in Southern Illinois. May you have a wonderful and blessed New Year.
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Random Photo Dump: A Slice of 2025
Tag: Carterville
It’s Christmastime 2025!
There are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit in Southern Illinois. As noted on the page by this same title, it is not a complete list. However, this Year’s page has been started….
You will see some of the categories listing “TBD,” but hopefully not for long. Please feel free to send me Christmas events from I-70 to the Southern state line either by commenting on Facebook, Messenger, or asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com Updates are happening as I get the information and my neuropathy cooperates…
(The bright pink Christmas truck image is available as a digital download for purchase on my Ko-fi site.)
Click on the truck image below to go to the Page of Christmas events:
It’s Christmastime 2025!
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SIcares: Carterville Gumdrop Donations Needed
The Obligatory New Year’s Eve Post
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. This past year certainly had its ups and downs. Many, including me, are ready for another fresh start.
New Year’s Eve 2022 started out extremely foggy in parts of Southern Illinois. Visibility was limited to a few feet–especially near large bodies of water like Crab Orchard Lake. I had to travel on Route 13 this morning between Marion and Carbondale. Fog was so thick that I could barely make out landmarks like the Carterville Motomart or Veteran’s Airport until within a few feet of them. Stoplights had a hard time shining through the fog.
With that being said, PLEASE drive slower and stay extra alert if you are out and about this evening. I hope it is not as foggy tonight. New Year’s Eve is, unfortunately, a time when some will ignore common sense and decency to drive drunk or high. Don’t be one of those people! Just stay put or use a Designated Driver if you find yourself in that situation. Driving in fog is bad enough without having to dodge people who shouldn’t be on the roads….
Pokey and I will likely watch TV and wait for that big crystal ball to drop on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, or something like that. I hope that however you choose to celebrate you are safe and healthy.
Happy New Year!
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Christmas Lights, Cameras, Action!
We may not have those perfectly timed, big fluffy snowflakes falling on cue, but that’s OK. There are still plenty of Christmas movie-worthy adventures right here in Little Egypt. You don’t have to grab a flight to one of those places that never seem to be on actual maps to experience the wonder of the season.
Include your family and friends to create memories to be cherished for years to come. Snap photos to share with future generations. Throw in some of the obligatory Christmas movie elements like decorating cookies, Christmas pageants, caroling, and shopping for or making special gifts for loved ones. Hopefully, you can avoid the conflict or classic misunderstanding that is in pretty much any movie. (DISCLAIMER: If it’s a full blown rom com you want, that’s between you and God…)
You can build an evening, Day trip, or an even longer stay. Check the pages for links to some of the unique, locally-owned lodging, food, shopping, and more for a DIY Christmas movie-worthy experience.
From tree lighting ceremonies and sparkling light displays to small town festivals and ice skating, you can find it downstate. There are many beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although some events took place before it was even time to start opening your Advent calendar’s little drawers, many are still to come. While keeping your Christmas traditions, you might just discover some new ones. May you, your family, and friends be richly blessed during this wonderful season.
Please check the links to many Christmas festivities from I-70 (including Effingham) to the southern state line via the Christmas in Southern Illinois page. It is a continual work in progress… Before heading out, you may wish to check the provided link for each for specific info or changes.
Christmas in Southern Illinois 2022 https://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/christmas-in-southern-illinois-2022/
Lodging
Food Truck & Street Cart Links
Local Shops
Tastes of Southern Illinois
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Walk Through a Beautiful Display of American Flags
The video link is above.
If you can make it to Carterville on Memorial Day, it’s worth the drive to Cannon Park to see the beautiful American flags on display.
It is very sobering to walk through the flag-lined path and read the names of past and present persons in the military. It is a visual that drives home the cost of our freedom. Various battles and wars in American history are represented.
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Farmer’s Market Finds
As you’ve likely heard before, farmer’s markets are a great local shopping adventure. Some are practically one stop for your grocery needs. Even in winter months, the Carbobdale area is blessed to have a couple of farmer’s market options. The Community Farmer’s Market is open December through March from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the movie theater wing of the University Mall at Carbobdale. L.E.A.F. Food Hub is an online farmer’s market with pick up locations in Carbondale, DuQuoin, Carterville, Marion, Herrin, Cobden, and Tunnel Hill. Some home delivery is available.
Glacier’s End has many wonderful shrubs and products like hickory and elderberry syrups. The Mexican Mocha Hot Sauce is wonderful. Cordials such as their Honeysuckle are great additions to drinks.
If you have stayed away from Farmer’s Markets because you are concerned about prices, I can tell you that there are various price points. Some gourmet local items may run a bit more than you would spend but can be used sparingly to add flare to your dishes. Many things really don’t seem any higher than national chain store prices. For example, I actually paid less for cube steak at the Farmer’s Market than I would have paid at the larger chain store. Actually, there was a better variety of meat available at the farmers market than at the chain store . Please keep in mind that if you can’t find something on bare shelves at a larger store, you might find an even better local product through one of the local markets or stores.
Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica’s national breakfast dish) made with brown rice by Cahokia Rice. They also have white rice. Both are available through L.E.A.F. Food Hub.
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Watermelon radish from River to River Farm and Basil Microgreens from Autumn Ridge Farm kick this salsa garnish up a bit. Both were ordered through L.E.A.F. Food Hub.
Big Muddy Hogs in Hurst also carries many local items, such as bread from Baked on Division and Steam Shovel Coffee. They are located at 300 Adams Street. Many of the local farms and vendors give product updates and advise where you may find their products on Facebook and Instagram.
Links:
Big Muddy Hogs https://www.facebook.com/BigMuddyHogs/
Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market https://www.facebook.com/communityfarmersmarket/ http://www.carbondalemarket.com/
L.E.A.F. Food Hub https://www.facebook.com/LEAFFoodHub/ https://www.leaffoodhub.com/
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A Tradition of Serving Continues
Since approximatelty 2017, #ServeSoILL has been an annually anticipated event by Cornerstone Church of Southern Illinois. The church’s Western Kentucky campus has now joined the fun. Of course 2020 was the exception due to COVID-19 precautions, but #ServeSoILL 2021 returned strong. Hundreds of volunteers worked at sites throughout Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky on May 1.
I did not visit every site, but I did have the privilege of traveling with a wonderful group to some of the Williamson County sites as part of the social media team.
One thing illustrated in the photos is how adults and children of all ages and abilities worked together to fill some needs and serve within the community. It was a gorgeous day for a beautiful expression of the Biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Some of the other work sites were Bald Knob Cross of Peace at Alto Pass, various schools, and the Square in Marion..
Search Facebook and Instagram for #servesoill to see additional photos.
Contact info for Cornerstone Church: https://cornerstonechurch.community/
@cstone.central
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, SIGHTS, & SOUNDS
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some of our beloved Christmas traditions to be postponed until next year, others will continue, go virtual, or have been modified. Fortunately, it is possible to see many Christmas lights throughout Southern Illinois from the safety and comfort of our own cars. Other events have been social distanced.
Carbondale’s annual Lights Fantastic Parade (I won’t say what year it started, but I did string battery operated lights onto my flag pole and freeze through the parade route with the Marching Salukis that year. People have fortunately found the secret to constructing floats that don’t catch fire as they go down the street now…) will be a drive by event this weekend.
Normally, there are many live Nativity Scenes. I guess the angel is normally socially distanced, and the Wiseman technically are distanced from the birth by a few years, but COVID-19 has also affected these events. So far, I have seen one scheduled for Carrier Mills.
Stores continue to be at reduced capacity as we have been on Tier Three of the COVID-19 mitigation, but some are able to modify and continue their Christmas Open Houses and sales. If you are near Salem, you may wish to follow the links below (or from the app or Events page) to see the happenings this evening at both Country Creek Treasures and The Rusty Nail. It is very important that we continue supporting our local shops, restaurants, lodging, and other small businesses when we have opportunity to do so. In the long run, supporting them supports our communities as a whole.
If you head to Salem this evening, you could also see the Lewis Family Light Display and possibly make the half hour drive on to Centralia’s Foundation Park to see Fantasy of Lights 2020. Have yourself a merry little family Christmas adventure or one of those Hallmark Movie script- worthy dates.
A mix of family, community,, and municipal displays light up this December Southern Illinois sky this year. We will add them to the list at the top of the Events section in the app and website as we become aware of them. You may want to pack up your hot cocoa for the road, grab a comfy car blanket, and set out to see some lights. Our recommendation is to see what is also close to your destination, such as lights or events in neighboring towns, places to get food, local shops, or possibly experience a stay in one of the cozy cabins or inns at Christmastime. Many are listed in the Lodging section of the app and this website.
Some events this year may have food or beverage trucks on site. Spread S’more Love will be on site some at the Reis Christmas light display in Herrin. We will try to share info on the Facebook page and update the ASOSI app and the Events section of this website as we hear of more opportunities to taste a bit of Southern Illinois.
This pandemic has been a mean one, but it cannot stop Christmas, and it cannot stop Southern Illinois from celebrating the birth of Jesus–safely, of course!
Please see currently listed Christmas and seasonal events from the app/website below. We recommend checking back regularly for additions or updates as well as checking links before making a special trip to see something for any admission fees or last minute changes.
ALTON
Christmas Wonderland https://www.riversandroutes.com/listing/christmas-wonderland/5845/
https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasWonderlandAlton/
BELLEVILLE
The Way of Lights at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows https://www.facebook.com/323693377655128/posts/3792037167487381/
BENTON
12/19/20 3rd Annual Spirit of Christmas Light Parade https://fb.me/e/1ISyDYV2I
CARBONDALE
12/5/20-12/6/20 Lights Fantastic Float Display https://www.facebook.com/763733763750003/posts/3294996293957058/
CARLYLE
11/27/20-1/10/21 Carlyle City Park Drive-Through Christmas Light Show https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2789433601295460&id=1548256528746513
CARRIER MILLS
12/19/20 Living Hope Church presents a Drive Thru Nativity https://fb.me/e/1NZS99aQV
CENTRALIA
Fantasy of Lights 2020 at Centralia Foundation Park https://fb.me/e/1lO728cXn
11/28/20 Holi-YAY Festival of Lights- Centralia IL Downtown District https://fb.me/e/1YUELREcE
COLLINSVILLE
Woodcock Family Light Display https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/displays/display-details/?id=2656
Woodford Way Wonderland https://www.facebook.com/WWWHolidayLights/
COULTERVILLE
Coulterville Holiday Light Display https://www.facebook.com/Coulterville-Holiday-Light-Display-184976148000/
DUQUOIN
11/28/20-12/30/20 DuQuoin Holiday Lights Fair https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3493683257367848&id=163396890396518
EFFINGHAM
Wonderland in Lights 2020 https://fb.me/e/CPx99gAD
FAIRFIELD
Huber Family Light Display https://www.facebook.com/Huber-Family-Christmas-Light-Display-107116551220134/
Phelps Family Christmas Display https://www.facebook.com/phelpsfamilychristmasdisplay/
Timbercreek Drive –off Route 148/Park Avenue
HERRIN
Reis Lane https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10223808728023209&id=1144860062
JOHNSTON CITY
Coulson’s Fantasy of Lights https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10218701530511583&id=1298474960
Southern Illinois Christmas Santa and Anya Claus House https://www.facebook.com/groups/263268040373679/?ref=share
14806 Christmas Tree Road, Johnston City
MARION
Cherry Valley 7066 Cherry Valley
Yost Family Lights https://www.facebook.com/yostfamilylights/
11/27/20 Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Opening Day Black Friday at The Patch https://fb.me/e/AJ5dEcg3
12/5/20 Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone at Oasis Drive-In Theater, fundraiser to benefit Marion Unit 2 Foundation, $30 per vehicle https://fb.me/e/3ELz5GiLG
MARYVILLE
Christmas on the Compound https://www.facebook.com/Christmas-on-the-Compound-101753961312442/
Barbarotto Lane
MT. VERNON
Christmas in the Park at Veteran’s Memorial Park https://facebook.com/events/385127925734572/?ti=as
MURPHYSBORO
12/5/20 Murphysboro Hometown Christmas 4th Annual VIRTUAL Tree Lighting Ceremony https://fb.me/e/3YJxzWmsK
12/5/20 Drive In Movie-The Polar Express https://fb.me/e/YAWZMxPk
OLNEY
11/27/20-12/30/20 Olney Christmas Light Display at Olney City Park https://www.facebook.com/1514176182157098/posts/2777584685816235/
SALEM
11/28/20-1/3/21 Lewis Family Christmas Display https://fb.me/e/1JRLC6ife
12/4/20 The Perfect Man (snowman) Sale at The Rusty Nail https://www.facebook.com/209071005779777/posts/3776583969028445/
12/4/20 Twilight Christmas at Country Creek Treasures https://fb.me/e/y9oi4OZa
TROY
Troy ToyLand Christmas Display https://fb.me/e/CPx99gAD
VIENNA
Elliotts Christmas 2020 https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/displays/display-details/?id=3706
WEST FRANKFORT
11/28/20-1/1/21 Candy Cane Lane https://fb.me/e/7Fx2qufEI
12/17/20 Santa’s Virtual Storyline LIVE https://fb.me/e/1qxNp0MEthttps://www.facebook.com/ChristmasTownWestFrankfort/
12/19/20 Drive-In Movie Night-Christmas Classics https://fb.me/e/38uWHfHyE
Although it would be impossible to list everything happening south of I-70, an effort is made to try to list some highlights. If you have an event or know of one to submit, please email it to: asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com
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Watch “A Walk Through the Carterville Lioness Club’s 8th Annual Military Salute, Cannon Park, 2016” on YouTube
This video is from 2016. Unfortunately, the Carterville Lioness Club had to cancel this year’s Military Salute due to COVID-19. Hopefully, it will return next year. Walking through those beautiful flags, each in honor or memory of someone who has served, is a sobering experience…
